Hens are not going in at night.

[user712404]

Hello. My Brahmas went from a single level coop as pullets to a mobile coop on legs as hens and rooster. They have an open run and are essentially free range. I have tried locking them up in there for a few weeks and have a light in there but they will not go up the ramp. They roost under the coop. The hens are not laying yet so that is good but I need them in there at night. We have most of the typical predators but have not had any issues until we do. Any other tips I can try other than the light and locking them in?

 

[Iluveggers]

Hello. My Brahmas went from a single level coop as pullets to a mobile coop on legs as hens and rooster. They have an open run and are essentially free range. I have tried locking them up in there for a few weeks and have a light in there but they will not go up the ramp. They roost under the coop. The hens are not laying yet so that is good but I need them in there at night. We have most of the typical predators but have not had any issues until we do. Any other tips I can try other than the light and locking them in?

Picture of the setup w the ramp? If it’s too steep/skinny/slippery they may not use it. Could also try blocking off the area under the coop w chicken wire for a few days so that option isn’t there (& you aren’t climbing under to get them.)

 

[user712404]

Picture of the setup w the ramp? If it’s too steep/skinny/slippery they may not use it. Could also try blocking off the area under the coop w chicken wire for a few days so that option isn’t there (& you aren’t climbing under to get them.)

Here is my setup. Working on getting more shady areas for them this week. We are in the high desert surrounded by ranchers. The sun can be brutal here but the temperature so far has been comfortable.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

View attachment 4162765


Here is my setup. Working on getting more shady areas for them this week. We are in the high desert surrounded by ranchers. The sun can be brutal here but the temperature so far has been comfortable.
View attachment 4162766

Have you got a remote thermometer that you could mount in the coop? With the weather we’re having, I would immediately think about coop temperatures under that metal roof.

 

[user712404]

Have you got a remote thermometer that you could mount in the coop? With the weather we’re having, I would immediately think about coop temperatures under that metal roof.

No but that is a good idea. We have high winds so the metal roof is a must. My brother built this coop for me with our weather in mind.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

No but that is a good idea. We have high winds so the metal roof is a must. My brother built this coop for me with our weather in mind.

You may find that you’ll want to hang a shade cloth over the coop, depending on what the temps are. And I understand about the nighttime predator concerns.

Nice-looking build!

 

[user712404]

You may find that you’ll want to hang a shade cloth over the coop, depending on what the temps are. And I understand about the nighttime predator concerns.

Nice-looking build!

Thank you!

 

[Karlkurla Chooks]

It likely gets very hot inside that coop for them at night, but I do understand the need for the metal roof.

My chooks sleep inside my metal tool shed. It is basically a much much larger version of your coop. And it gets very hot in there - the chooks are panting to help relieve themselves of the heat.

Since summer I have re-constructed their perches so they can spread out more, and put them under the highest part of the roof, so there is more room for the heat to escape. I have also planted a cherry tree which I hope will grow to provide shade over part of the roof.

I am also planning to build a large roof over the top of the whole shed and the area in front of it, to try to block the searing afternoon northwestern sun during the summer months.

I think in your case some shade cloth or even one of those mobile gazebos, erected over the top of the coop, will help significantly.

 

[Not-so Slick Chicken]

I've found that some birds are intimidated by ramps.
Perhaps they feel it's too steep? Putting a cinderblock under the end might help, if it's too steep.

My birds didn't like their short ramp (it's only about a foot long) so I added extra wood "grips" so they didn't slide as far. But mine would prefer steps instead of a ramp, honestly.

Since I didn't see any ask yet

- How many birds?
- Ventilation?
- Coop size/dimensions?
- Roost space and placement? (how much room between roost and lowest part of roof, and how long are roosts)

 

[Iluveggers]

Very nice build! Is that a light on the door? Is there a light inside the coop as well?

Whoever suggested a shade cloth had a great idea. The ramp doesn’t look to difficult but if they balk at using it (no pun intended ) a couple cinderblock steps would be something to try and see if they like them better.

We have the opposite problem here…rainy summers and snowy winters! Wish we could dry it up a bit sometimes!